8 NEWS Storms batter coast High seas threaten Beachport foreshore From front page However, quick action by contractors employed by Wattle Range Council reduced the possibility of major storm damage. Council chief executive Peter Harriott said contractors with heavy machinery were already in the area using calcified sandstone boulders to extend the rock groyne at the recreational boatramp. The excavator was instead then used to place the large boulders as a protective measure on the seawall in front of Beach Road. He said the urgent action was warranted as the potential for damage included the possibility of Beach Road being undermined. “We advised the Coastal Protection Board of our actions and we work in partnership with them,” Mr Harriott said. “Our council staff used their delegated authority to temporarily close Beach Road due to the presence of the water. “I went to Beachport on Tuesday afternoon and the seas had eased.” A spokesperson for the Coastal Protection Board said It was spectacular, scary and quite destructive Beachport Beach Care spokesperson Barbara Cameron council advised the board about the situation. “As we understand it, there were exceptional winds and tides,” the spokesperson said. “We will keep a watching brief on the situation at Beachport. “Specialist engineering equipment can be provided by us, if needed.” A Beachport resident said he first noticed the extreme height of the tide when he went for his daily morning walk at 7am. “The waves were starting to come towards the foreshore walking path and seats erected by the Lions Club of Beachport and Rivoli Bay,” he said. “I was worried that they were going to be washed away.” Beachport Beach Care spokesperson Barbara Cameron observed the stormy seas, saying one “cannot control mother nature”. “It was spectacular, scary and quite destructive,” she said. Her group is opposed to the extension of the rock groyne at the recreational boatramp which is now underway. PERILOUS PIER: The foot of the Beachport jetty was no place to be for landlubbers on Tuesday. Picture: KATHERINE TAYLOR DRENCHING: A group of youngsters delighted in the sea spray during stormy conditions in Beachport on Tuesday. Picture: STACEY BELLINGER Help stop new pests and control the ones we have. Pest control is everyone’s business. Pest plants and animals have a huge impact on Australia’s agricultural productivity, with national annual production losses and control costs of more than $4 billion for pest plants and close to $744 million for pest animals. We can help you to plan your approach to pest plant and animal control by providing information, technical advice and other support. Get in touch today to fi nd out how we can help you tackle pests on your property. Visit us at your nearest Natural Resources Centre, online at www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au or call Natural Resources Centre Mount Gambier on 8735 1177. CLOSURE: The seawater forced the temporary closure of Beach Road on Tuesday. 8 - The South Eastern Times, Thursday, June 26, 2014 Picture: KATHERINE TAYLOR www.thesoutheasterntimes.com.au FIS 92817 644085